About the song
“Riders on the Storm,” a haunting and evocative track by American rock legends The Doors, was released in June 1971 as the second single from their sixth studio album, *L.A. Woman*. Notably, this song represents a poignant chapter in the band’s history as it was the last track Jim Morrison recorded before his untimely death on July 3, 1971, just weeks after the single’s release.
The song’s distinctive sound and atmosphere make it a standout in The Doors’ catalog. Classified across genres including psychedelic rock, jazz rock, and even as a precursor to gothic music, “Riders on the Storm” blends haunting keyboard riffs with a mesmerizing rhythm. Guitarist Robby Krieger and keyboardist Ray Manzarek have noted that the track was inspired by the country song “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend,” while the lyrics reflect Morrison’s fascination with the infamous hitchhiking killer Billy “Cockeyed” Cook, as well as his affection for his companion Pamela Courson.
Musically, “Riders on the Storm” is built around a moody, descending keyboard riff that utilizes the Dorian Mode scale, creating an atmospheric soundscape that complements its introspective lyrics. The song’s production was completed after producer Paul A. Rothchild departed due to his critical view of the track, which he reportedly labeled “cocktail music,” though he later clarified this was a mischaracterization.
The recording sessions took place in late 1970 at the Doors Workshop and Poppi Studios, where Morrison’s whispered vocals were layered to create a ghostly echo effect that adds to the song’s eerie ambiance. This track was not only the final recording with all four original members but also the last one released while Morrison was alive.
“Riders on the Storm” achieved significant chart success, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 22 on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s legacy has endured over the decades, frequently appearing on classic rock radio playlists and being ranked among The Doors’ greatest works. Its influence extends beyond music, inspiring films such as *The Hitcher* (1986) and *Point Break* (1991), and even a notable remix featuring Snoop Dogg for the video game *Need for Speed: Underground 2* (2004).
The song’s atmospheric effects, including the rain and thunderstorm soundscape, have left an indelible mark on listeners. As Siouxsie Sioux reflected, the track’s immersive experience has the power to captivate and transport listeners into their own cinematic reverie. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010, “Riders on the Storm” continues to be celebrated for its artistic and historical significance.
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Lyrics
Riders on the storm
Riders on the storm
Into this house, we’re born
Into this world, we’re thrown
Like a dog without a bone
An actor out on loan
Riders on the storm
There’s a killer on the road
His brain is squirmin’ like a toad
Take a long holiday
Let your children play
If you give this man a ride
Sweet family will die
Killer on the road, yeah
Girl, you gotta love your man
Girl, you gotta love your man
Take him by the hand
Make him understand
The world on you depends
Our life will never end
Gotta love your man, yeah
Riders on the storm
Riders on the storm
Into this house, we’re born
Into this world, we’re thrown
Like a dog without a bone
An actor out on loan
Riders on the storm
Riders on the storm
Riders on the storm
Riders on the storm
Riders on the storm